7 comments/ 14241 views/ 3 favorites The Other Half By: Wholockian34 The sun had set on yet another gorgeous winter day. Molly Hunter had sat on the porch of her small Colorado home, watching the sky transform through a series of vibrant oranges, reds, and pinks, until, finally, the sun had completed it's descent behind the mountains. This time of year, those beautiful sunsets were the only real color anyone had to enjoy. Molly always made herself available to watch the changing skies with a mixture of awe and appreciation. For her, happiness could be found in just about anything, and right at that moment, there wasn't anywhere else she wanted to be. Of course, she wouldn't have minded having someone to share such moments with. Overall, for a woman in her mid-twenties, she was doing quite well with her life. She had an amazing job that she loved, working with children coming from unstable families. Her home was bought with her own money. She had a dog, Bennie, a golden retriever that really only ever retrieved her from sleep in the middle of the night. But, damn, she sure did love that furry little guy. How can you be upset at something that is quite literally over the moon every time you walk through the door? That thinks you are the queen of everything that is good in the world? Even with that, though, she so often found herself longing for the closeness of a partner, for someone that, maybe, actually said out loud that they were happy you were home, instead of jumping on you, sharing their fur, and licking your face. If she were being completely honest, she was lonely. As a kid, her dream was to fall in love, find THE ONE, have kids, a home, a picket fence. As an adult, that dream seemed more like a fantasy. Well, at least she had the home - minus the picket fence - but, a home nonetheless. Plus, there was Bennie.. he was a bit like a child. But, in the end, there wasn't anyone she could share her life with. It wasn't as if Molly hadn't dated, or had serious relationships. It was just that they never worked out. For a while, they'd be great, always with that period at the beginning where there was a fleeting thought of 'this could be it.' Later down the road, however, things always changed. At some point during the relationship, it would seem everything the other person did was an annoyance. She wouldn't consider herself picky, though, or the one at fault for the ending of these pairings. Okay, maybe partially at fault, but, honestly, sometimes they just weren't all that nice. Or sanitary. Or considerate. The list could go on, but needless to say, there was a reason those relationships didn't last more than 3 years, and only that long because she was just too nice to break the news until finally she literally couldn't take it anymore. In the end, the life she'd envisioned as a child just was not looking as if it'd happen any time in her future. Molly'd all but given up on marriage. Besides, Bennie was good company.. and as far as sex went, orgasms were pretty damn amazing with her little silver bullet. She could have the fun without all the drama, right? With a heavy sigh, she collected her blanket and coffee mug and headed inside, Bennie at her side, tail wagging. She felt her cell start to buzz in the pocket of her sweats and took it out. 'Damn.. here we go again...' she answered the phone. 'Hi, Mom! how are you?' All the false excitement she felt was forced through the stiff smile she now wore. It wasn't that she didn't love her mom, Shirley, she did with all her heart. It was just that, at this stage in her life, any phone calls Molly got from her were riddled with questions about settling down and giving her grandkids. Plus, on a side note, it irked Molly to no end that this often happened right after having deep thoughts about her own future. She was pretty sure her mom was somehow in her head. 'Oh, I'm fine, honey. Just checking up on you. You know how I worry with you living alone. I don't suppose you're seeing anyone since we last talked?' Shirley said, trying to make it sound offhand. 'Well, gee, mom, let's see. We spoke on the phone two weeks ago, and had lunch 3 days after that, so, no, not much has changed in my personal life since then,' she replied, unable to keep the sarcasm out of her answer. 'No need to get snippy with me, Mol. I can still take you over my knee -' 'No, you can't. I'm at least 2 and a quarter inches taller than you, and pretty sure I can run faster.' They both laughed for a moment, then Shirley said, 'I really don't mean to be a pest, sweetie. I do honestly worry about you. No, before you start in on me, I am not insinuating that you can't take care of yourself, or that a man is the key to happiness. I am just saying that I know you, and I know that you certainly wouldn't mind having someone to share your life with. Not to mention, Valentine's Day is coming up..' See, thought Molly, she's in my head! 'Of course I do, mom. I just haven't met that person yet. And, really, I'm starting to wonder if I will. But, seriously, mom, I'm not unhappy! I love my life and have so many positive things going right now. Please, stop worrying.. you don't have any room left on your head for more grays.' 'Oh, shut up!' yelled Shirley good naturedly. They laughed again and, after a bit more small talk, said their goodbyes. Molly's smile faded a bit as she ended the call. Maybe someday she'd meet that guy, the one that would sweep her off her feet, but, for now, there really was no reason to stress or dwell on it. Besides, she had a date that night.. with ice cream, the couch, and whatever was premiering on HBO that night. Being single wasn't that bad, at least she had sole possession of the remote control. ___________________ Later, after a hot shower, Molly lie in bed, wide awake. No longer obsessing on her non existent love life, she instead sat going over that very explicit, hot, sexy love scene from the movie she'd just watched. Quite frankly, it had turned her on. A lot. She'd always been a very sexual person, open to new things, willing to experiment. If anyone were to ask her what she was 'into,' she wouldn't know how to answer. Her turn-ons covered every side of the broad sexual spectrum (with a few exceptions.) Right now, however, all she could think about was getting downright dirty with a hot, sexy man. Molly closed her eyes and let her imagination do what it did best... She was lying on the bed, her sheer negligee clinging to her breasts. The fireplace was ablaze to the left, illuminating her smooth, white legs. She ran her fingers down her neck, her breasts, her midsection, her inner thigh, moaning. Suddenly, her bedroom door burst open and he walked in. His shirt was unbuttoned, revealing his chest, covered in soft black hair. 'I was just thinking about you, if you couldn't tell,' she said softly, smiling. 'It looks like you started without me, lover. What should we do about that?' He replied, unbuttoning his pants. She sat up, throwing her legs over the side of the bed. He walked up and stood in front her. She looked up, eyes wide, but she felt no fear, only desire. 'I think I owe you an apology, sir.' With that, she slid to her knees before him. He placed a hand on the back of her head and gently pulled her toward him. She placed her hands behind his hips and pulled him toward her as well, her mouth open and eager. His hard cock slid into her mouth, her lips closing on the shaft. She took him as deep as she could, felt the tip hit the back of her throat, sending a gush of excitement to her aching pussy. His rock hard cock slid in and out of her mouth as his hips moved back and forth. She lowered her right hand to finger herself, felt her wetness. Her hand was covered in it as she slid three fingers in and out of her rapidly. Molly was fully naked in her bed by now, her fingers as deep inside her as she could get them, soaking wet. Her life-like dildo deep in her mouth as she imagined it was his. She removed her fingers and rubbed her clit, breathy, loud moans filling the room. He slid out of her mouth and pulled her to her feet. Before she knew it, her negligee was in pieces on the floor, having been torn off. 'Get on your hands and knees,' he demanded. She obliged. He climbed onto the bed and kneeled behind her. She leaned down onto her forearms, her ass in the air. He rubbed and massaged her ass cheeks as his cock slid between the valley between them, still wet from her mouth. Without warning, he slid into her, all the way, as deep as he could get it. Her moan was loud and her pussy instinctively tightened around him. He let out a loud groan as his head rolled back. He kept thrusting harder and harder, guiding her with his hands on her hips. Molly shoved the dildo further into her pussy as she squeezed her hard nipple, she was so close to cumming. 'Please don't stop fucking me,' she moaned breathily. 'You want to taste yourself, you dirty little thing?' He asked, but before she could answer, he'd already pulled out of her, moved to her side, grabbed the back of her hair, and shoved his hard cock into her mouth. Molly started vigorously rubbing her clit with her vibrating bullet, the dildo now back in her mouth. She tasted herself, moaned as she sucked him clean. She could hear his moans getting louder and louder, knew he was going to cum. With one last hard thrust into her mouth, and a loud grunt, his hot cum covered her tongue. He still held onto her hair, looking down at her. She returned his gaze as she sucked one last time before he slid out of her mouth. Molly all but screamed as she climaxed, her breathing erratic, her clit throbbing and pulsing. She lie there, allowing her heart to return to it's normal pace, her breathing to regulate. 'Ho..ly...Shit,' she breathed. Needless to say, she slept quite soundly that night. Even fantasy men could wear you out. ________________________________ The next few days seemed be on fast forward. The center she worked at was preparing a play about Valentine's Day, starring all the kids 12 and under. The process of which, including rehearsals, kept her far busier than she usually was. Not to mention causing her not to get home until sometime after 6 each night, sometimes later. Luckily, opening night was this coming weekend, a week before the actual much celebrated day that Molly had dubbed Lonely Hearts Club Day. She was exhausted, and, as much fun as she was having with the kids, could not wait for things to just calm down and return to normal. Molly rolled into her driveway at 6:03pm. She looked up to see Bennie looking out the living room window, his tail moving so fast she could barely see it. Upon opening the door, she was bombarded by yellow fur and doggie kisses. 'Hey, baby! Did you miss me? C'mon.. let's go outside!' Molly let him out and returned to the living room. Her cell started to buzz as she took her vibrant red hair out of it's constricting ponytail. She answered with one hand as her other massaged her scalp. 'This is Molly,' she said into the phone. 'Miss Hunter? My name's Shaun. I'm a friend of Sally, at the community center, and a photographer. As a favor, she had asked if I'd be able to take some pictures of the kids for a play they're doing. I was just calling to see if tomorrow would work for you? Say, 3pm?' came the voice on the other end. For some reason unknown to herself, the sound of his voice caused a slight fluttering in her stomach. It was so soft, yet sounded as if it belonged to a buff young man. 'Hello? Miss Hunter?' he spoke again Regaining her composure, she stammered, 'Hi, um, yes.. Yes! 3 is good, I'll be there!' She rolled her eyes at her own over-excited sounding voice. Idiot, she thought. Shaun laughed. 'Well, ok, then, Miss Hunter. I'll see you tomorrow.' Molly hung up. That was strange for her to react to a mere voice. It certainly had never happened before. She shrugged and started to undress. No sense in overthinking it. More than likely he was a photography student fresh out of college.. probably wouldn't know what to do with her body even if he had the opportunity. By 8, she and Bennie had eaten, and Molly was relaxing on the couch with a book, a glass of wine on the end table. Two hours, and a bottle of wine, later, she was exhausted, and slightly tipsy. Usually, being tipsy segued into being horny and another rendezvous with her fun toys would ensue. Tonight, however, she was just too exhausted to even think straight. Frankly, she was surprised she'd lasted as long as she had. 'Gee, Bennie, I don't know how you survive this life of partying that we lead. Lay off the sauce, pup,' she teased as she scratched behind his ears. Molly readied herself for bed and slid between the sheets. The last thought she had before falling into oblivion was of a faceless Shaun whispering sweet nothings into her ear. _____________________________ Morning pretty much happened as soon as she'd closed her eyes, she was sure of it. There was no possible way she slept at all. If the way she felt wasn't a dead giveaway, then the way she looked should have been. She was pretty sure those dark circles weren't under her eyes yesterday, and had something died in her mouth? For a brief moment, she considered leaving her hair the way it was. She'd just tell everyone it was her punk look. Against everything inside telling her to crawl back into bed and call in sick, she started the shower. An hour later, she was starting to feel more human, with her travel mug of coffee, and a piece of toast in her belly. Her light use of makeup had her feeling like she no longer resembled a zombie, and her hair was once again pulled back into it's neat ponytail. 'See you later, Ben-Ben. Mama loves you!' and with that, she headed to work. 'Hey, Sal, how's it going?' Molly greeted her co-worker, Sally Mitchell. 'Good, Mol-' she'd looked up, 'And.. you? Late night? What's his name??' she asked with a smile, coming closer, eager for gossip. Molly gave her a confused, and slightly wary, look. She even went so far as to look behind her to see if she may have been speaking to someone else. 'What on earth are you talking about? Who said anything about a late night.. or a man?' 'Hon, you look tired! I've never seen you come to work with those circles under your eyes,' Sally said with a huge smile. Molly laughed outright. 'Oh, please, Sal! I was just up late reading.. though, there may have been wine involved. Honestly, Sal, I just got carried away with the book, and had one too many glasses.' Sally looked disappointed. 'Damn, I was really hoping you'd have some good news for me, Hol. Anyway, in other news, some of the girls and I want to go out this Saturday, get wild, you know? Want to come? Maybe you'll meet Mr. Perfect!' 'I have some serious doubts about meeting the man of my dreams at a bar, Sal. Besides, the kids are doing the play on Saturday, I can't miss it, they'd be disappointed,' Holly said, feigning a disappointed face, jutting out her bottom lip. 'Yea, yea, you never go, even when you don't have a legitimate reason,' Sal said quietly. Then she smiled, 'at least this time you actually do have a good reason. You're off the hook, but I will literally drag you out next time, got it?' 'Deal,' Said Molly, smiling. The day progressed much as the rest of the week had, busy and fast. Before she knew it, it was 2pm, and time to get the kids ready for dress rehearsal. 'C'mon guys, this is it! Our last rehearsal before opening tomorrow night! I know you can do this, you all rock!' Molly smiled broadly, throwing two thumbs up into the air. She sat in the auditorium watching the kids, completely enthralled in their performance. The play itself was small and silly but the effort they put into it made her proud. Some of these kids had really come a long way since they first started coming to the community center. Molly had found that they so easily found their way into her heart, and she cared immensely for every single one of them. Lost in her thoughts, and watching the play, she was startled when someone sat next to her. She jumped, putting a hand over her heart. 'Whoa, sorry.. sorry. I didn't mean to scare you. I came in a second ago, but I guess you didn't hear me,' said the man sitting next her, smiling. His blue eyes regarded her openly, his smile literally lit up his face, and for a moment Molly was unable to speak. When she didn't say anything, just stared at him, his smile faltered just the slightest, and he spoke again. 'Um.. well, Sally said I'd find Miss Hunter in here. You're the only adult I see, so, I guess.. that's you?' 'Yes! Sorry, didn't mean to yell. Yes.. Please, call me Molly. I'm sorry.. who are you?' 'Oh, yea, sorry. Shaun Sellers, Sally's photographer friend.' He put out his hand to shake hers. 'Oh, hi! I thought your voice was familiar,' she said as a slight blush crept up her cheeks. Until just that moment, she hadn't remembered thinking about his voice as she fell asleep. 'So, where would you like me to start?' Shaun asked. 'Well, I guess just anywhere, really. I just want to have some memories for the kids. They're doing so well and I figured they might want to remember this for a long time,' she replied. Molly couldn't stop staring at his face as he unpacked his camera equipment. He was most definitely gorgeous. Older than she'd imagined, which gave her a bit of a giddy feeling inside. Why, she didn't know. This was just a business arrangement, not a date. Then why were there butterflies going wild in her tummy? Her eyes moved up to his hair, light brown, not too long, but long enough, and it looked soft. For a fleeting moment, she imagined running her fingers through it. Blushing again, she cleared her throat. 'I really appreciate you coming. This means a lot to me. The kids, I mean,' she corrected hurriedly. 'Well, me and the kids. Everyone, actually. We care about them so much and know having something to remind them of their achievements, big or small, will mean a lot to them. Am I rambling? I feel like I might be rambling.' Shaun raised his eyebrows at her with a half grin. Blush was becoming a permanent color on her cheeks. She normally was never this nervous around people, even good looking men. 'I am so sorry. I literally do not know what is wrong with me. Is there a rewind button, can we start over?' she asked hopefully. Shaun laughed. 'You're even prettier than Sally said you were.' With that, he got up and went to the stage to start snapping photos. Molly sat there for at least 30 seconds before she realized her mouth was still hanging open. She snapped it shut and took out her cell phone. With swift fingers, she typed out a text to Sally. - Okay, who is this guy, and did you tell him I was pretty!? - - A friend from college, and yes, I did! - - Wait, wait, are you playing matchmaker? - - No clue what you're talking about ;) - - Jesus, woman. You're lucky I love you! - - For the record, he is single, and an all around awesome guy! - After about an hour of Shaun taking a multitude of photos, including some of Molly with the kids, he gathered his things and walked up to her. 'I actually had a really great time today, thanks for giving me the opportunity to do this,' said Shaun sincerely. 'No, thank you, honestly. This really does mean the world to us, what we do here, and giving the kids a sense of pride and self worth. From what I saw on your camera, the pictures look amazing. I can't wait to see them all,' Molly said. Shaun turned to go, changed his mind, and faced her again. 'About what I said before I started shooting.. It was mostly out of my mouth before my brain had processed thinking it. I hope it didn't make you feel uncomfortable, or give the impression that I'm creepy.' The Other Half Molly's face split into a wide smile. 'No, it didn't make me uncomfortable. I, um, actually liked it. Felt good.' His sigh of relief was audible. He smiled and said, 'Good, I was worried for a minute. If you'd thought I was creepy, that really would lessen the probability of you saying yes to dinner and drinks tonight.' Molly was taken by surprise yet again, but the answer was out before she even thought about it. 'Yes. I'd love to.' 'Great! So, say, Malone's around 7? Should I pick you up or, seeing as how we just met, did you want to meet there? I don't want to seem too forward.' 'No, actually, I don't mind,' she said with a smile, 'I need to get home to feed my dog, Bennie, and get ready, so if you could pick me up, I'd really appreciate it.' 'Of course. I'll write down my cell phone number, just text me the address, and I'll be there just before 7, sound good?' he asked. 'Yes, see you then.' Her eyes followed him all the way out the door. Nice ass. Nice ass, indeed, she thought. Molly looked over to see Sally eyeing her, laughing and shaking her head. 'Shut up, Miss Sally, before I throw a pencil at you!' Molly shouted with a grin. 'What? I didn't do anything,' came Sally's reply, 'I just, you know, saw some potential there, invited a sexy man into your life, and now I get to sit back and watch stuff happen.' 'Oh, I've only just met him, you may not watch anything happen! I'm going to go help the kids clean up. Get to work,' she finished with a wink. Once again, Molly was home by 6, which didn't leave her a whole lot of time to doll herself up. She really tried to stamp down the excitement she felt at being asked out, and even stifled the urge to call her mom, just to tell her she was going out on a date. Honestly, though, she'd been down this road before. Meet a good-looking guy, things are awesome, life couldn't get better, then, wham, she was single again. If she didn't have any expectations, she wouldn't be disappointed when it ended. Gee, Debbie Downer, lighten up, came her inner voice. Quickly, she shot a text to Shaun, let Bennie outside, fed him, and jumped in the shower. She always went for a more natural look when applying make-up. Less is more, her mother always said. Besides, as far as she was concerned, when a woman wore a pound of makeup, she was basically just masking what she really looked like, therefore deceiving anyone she dated. Then, one day, they'd wake up next to their significant other, make-up running down their face, or partially wiped off, and their partner would start screaming while running for the hills. That's how she pictured it, anyway. Better to let them see who you are up front, Molly thought. Pressed for time, she allowed her natural curls to stay down and wild. Her bright green shirt made the red of her hair stand out. Plus, she liked the way the thin material clung to her ample breasts. Her 5'4'' average build made her double Ds more noticeable. To finish the look, she had on her black skinny jeans, and black boots. Just as she was wrapping her scarf around her neck, she heard a car pull up out front. She peeked out the small window on her door to watch him walk up. About twenty feet from her porch she saw his foot slip on a small patch of ice still left from the last snow they'd had. Even with the door closed, she could hear him hit the cement, landing on his backside. Molly made a hissing sound with a sharp intake of breath, 'oh, shit,' she whispered as she ran outside. 'Oh my God, are you ok?? I am so sorry! Please don't sue me!' she said as she helped him up. To her surprise, he was laughing. 'Jesus, are you delirious? Did you hit your head, too?' 'No, no, I'm fine. I mean my ass hurts a bit, but, overall, I think I'm ok. I'm just glad we met earlier, and this wasn't a blind date or something. First impressions and all..' 'You slip on my property, nearly break your butt, and your only worry is how embarrassing this might be?' she asked incredulously. 'Hey, listen, I've heard quite a bit about you from Sally. She and I go way back, and I know she has my best interest at heart. So, if you're as great as she says you are, I really don't want to mess this up so early in the game, you know?' Molly could only smile at him. 'Come inside, rest your rear for a minute,' she said with a wink. Together they walked back to the house, him with a slight limp. Once inside, Bennie went wild, his entire back end wiggling back and forth with the wagging of his tail. He kept trying to jump on Shaun, and Molly had to shoo him away. She helped him sit on her sofa. He did so tentatively, wincing with pain as his backside came into contact with the couch. 'Bennie, behave,' she began, then turned to Shaun. 'I know we just met and all, but if you'd like me to put your clothes in the dryer for a bit, I will. I have an oversized robe of my dads that my mom gave me after he passed away a few years ago. No, don't worry,' she continued, seeing the unsure look on his face, 'It's perfectly fine. It so rarely gets used, and, quite frankly, I feel horrible that you fell on my walkway. Let me do something, please.' 'Well, if you insist,' Shaun laughed. He took the robe she handed him and headed to the bathroom. A few minutes later, he emerged in her father's gray robe, carrying his wet clothes. Molly tried to ignore the way seeing him like that in her house made her feel. There was a familiarity that she didn't understand, considering she'd just met him. It was almost as if he belonged there, in that robe, in her home, with her. She visibly shook her head to clear her thoughts. 'Let me take those,' she said, as she took the clothes from him. After she put them in the dryer, she came back to the living room to see him back on the couch, Bennie lying beside him, his head in Shaun's lap. 'Looks like you made a new friend,' she said, grinning. 'Bennie, are you taking care of Mr. Sellers?' 'He's a really sweet dog. I had a black lab growing up, Jet. Loved that dog. When I was 12, he had to be put down. Just got too old. Swore I'd never have a pet again, it upset me so much.' There was still a touch of sadness in his voice. 'I'm so sorry, Shaun. I don't know what I'd do without Bennie. He's my baby.' At the mention of his name, Bennie started wagging his tail again. 'So, what do you say to just hanging out here tonight? I can order a pizza, I have beer in the fridge - wine, too, if you'd prefer,' Molly suggested. 'Might be better since you're a bit of an invalid at the moment,' she finished with a grin. Shaun sighed, but smiled. 'How's a guy supposed to sweep a girl off her feet by sitting on his ass?' he asked. 'You can make it up to me when you're feeling better, how's that? Now, the answer to this next question will determine if I even give you that second chance; Mushrooms or not on your pizza?' 'Well, here's to hoping I get it right. I just flat out refuse to eat fungus. No mushrooms for me.' His look was hopeful and worried at the same time. Molly burst out laughing. 'You may advance to the next date.' For the next few hours, they ate pizza, drank beer, and watched a marathon of Loony Tunes on Boomerang. Overall, to Molly, this was a picture perfect date. She really couldn't imagine it having gone any better. They talked, told stories, answered questions about each other. She couldn't remember feeling that good in a very long time. Shaun had stayed in the robe, his clothes forgotten in the dryer. Molly felt as if she'd known him forever, and that this was just another night in a long succession of enjoyable moments with him. Perhaps that was why, when he fell asleep on the couch, she just didn't have the heart to wake him and send him on his way. Instead, she put a blanket over him, turned out the light and headed to bed herself. The following morning was Saturday, so she didn't have to work. The sun was shining brightly through her bedroom window, and she was awoken by Bennie's whimpers by the foot of her bed. Squinting one eye, she looked over at him. 'Uggghhh, Bennie, what time is it? I take it you have to pee?' It took every ounce of energy she had to sit up and slide her feet into her slippers. As she was tying the belt on her robe, she suddenly remembered she had a houseguest. Her slippers shuffling on her hardwood floor, she rushed to the living room. It was empty, the blanket she'd covered Shaun with the night before folded neatly on the arm of the sofa. There was a piece of paper lying on top of it. Molly - Thanks for an amazing night. I'd love to do it again - or actually go out next time - your choice. I have a few appointments this morning for work, but, please, call me. P.S. Please don't be mad, but I did pop my head into your room just to see you one last time before I Ieft. You look like an angel when you sleep. -S Molly couldn't wipe the smile from her face if her life depended on it. She just kept thinking about the night before, and how sweet this note was. Bennie's whining interrupted her reverie. 'Oh! Sorry, bud.. let's go,' she said as she hurried to the back door. After a quick shower, she made some coffee and ate a light breakfast. She had some laundry to do before tonight's performance at the community center. Molly got so caught up in her chores, it was nearly noon by the time she sat down for a rest. Her ponytail was askew, with loose wisps flying around her head, she wasn't wearing any makeup, and she had on her oldest t-shirt and sweats. She had a chip halfway to her mouth when her doorbell rang. Dropping the chip back into the bag, she went to the door. Standing on her tiptoes, she peeked out the door window. It was Shaun. Molly dropped back down out of the view of the window with lightning speed. 'Shit!' she whispered loudly. Normally a guy wouldn't get to see her in this state until at least 6 months into the relationship. This could end what hadn't even technically started yet! Well, there was nothing for it, he knew she was home, as her car was outside. With a heavy sigh, she opened the door. Shaun's smile only got wider as he looked her up and down, then he said, 'I really like this look on you.' Molly's blush was instant. She instinctively tried to smooth the wild wisps of hair while smiling shyly. 'You don't have to try and make me feel better for looking terrible,' she joked. 'What are you doing here, anyway? Did you forget something?' 'No,' he began, 'Actually, I just wanted to see you. I know we just met yesterday, but, honestly, after hanging out with you, even for one night, I feel close to you. There's a familiarity that, for all intents and purposes, shouldn't be there when you first meet someone. I know.. you probably think I'm crazy and I've already said too much far too soon, but.. I just thought you should know.' Shaun actually looked almost upset he'd said all that, the look on his face was tentative at best. Before she even thought about it, she'd placed her hands on his cheeks and their lips were pressed together. His arms encircled her waist and pulled her body flush with his. After what seemed an eternity, their lips broke apart, though their bodies stayed where they were. They looked into each others eyes for a moment until Shaun broke the silence. 'I'll take that to mean you feel the same?' All she could do was nod and smile. Finally, she said, 'This, um, doesn't mean I'm just going to fall into bed with you now.' He laughed loudly. 'I'm perfectly ok with that. We have all the time in the world for other things. For now, I'm just happy to be around you. What do you say we go out to lunch?' 'Yea, let me just get dressed and put a face on,' she replied with a wink. They went to Malone's, humorously saying they were making up for last night. 'You don't mind pub food, do you?' asked Shaun. 'Oh, hell no. I love it. Life's too short to eat healthy all the time,' she said as she ate another french fry. 'Hey, do you think you'll be able to take more photos tonight of the kids' play?' 'Of course. Truth be told, I'd already planned on it. I figured you'd want pictures of them performing, and, besides, I'll be seeing you again,' he finished, smiling. 'There has got to be something wrong with you. So far, you seem all too perfect. Are you married? Secret love child? Serial killer?' Molly gave him a faux suspicious look. Shaun laughed so hard he almost choked on his food. Molly joined in. The rest of the lunch was just as enjoyable, as they ate and joked. Another wonderful date as far as she was concerned. _____________________________ That night, Shaun was nice enough to pick her up and take her to the community center. As they walked up to the center, he reached over and slid his hand over hers. The butterflies in her tummy fluttered wildly. Please, she thought, let this feeling last forever. During the short intermission, Sally came over to her while Shaun was in the restroom. 'Okay, start talking!' Sally started in. 'I saw the way you were looking at him a bit ago. Is it love already, Mol??' Sally's excitement was palpable, she was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet. 'Calm down, Sally,' Molly said, laughing. 'I did only just meet him yesterday, you know. But, since we're talking.. there isn't anything you haven't told me, right? Because, I'll be honest, I am starting to think he's perfect. That, as you know, usually leads to a big disappointment later down the line. If there's anything you think I should know before I do end up falling in love with him, please tell me now.' 'I've known him for going on ten years now, Mol,' Sally said seriously. 'He quite literally is the most amazing person I know. I know he seems too good to be true, but trust me, he isn't. He was raised by a single mom, whom he then had to nurse when she got severely sick with cancer.' Molly's face was horror struck. She'd had no idea. 'Don't say anything, let him tell you on his own. It really wasn't my place, but I'm just trying to convey to you that he was raised right, and knows how to treat a woman. He has respect for them. Honestly, Mol, you have nothing to worry about. Enjoy it.' Molly was able to compose herself before Shaun returned. For some reason, he seemed even more beautiful to her when she looked at him. She decided then and there to take Sally's advice and just enjoy it. It may not last forever, but while it did, she didn't intend to waste time worrying. On the drive home, she reached over and put her hand on his thigh. His hand covered hers, and closed around it. They pulled up in front of her house. 'Would you like to come in? I think Bugs Bunny goes to Pismo Beach tonight,' Molly said with a smile. 'I'd thought you'd never ask,' he answered, smiling back. This time, on the couch, they were both under the blanket, and she was curled up next to him, his arm around her shoulder. 'You know, I just realized,' started Molly, 'that I haven't seen the sunset in two days. I always sit on my porch and watch the colors changing as it rolls behind the mountains. Though, if I'm going to be honest, I wouldn't have changed my last couple nights for anything.' 'Neither would I,' murmured Shaun, as he looked down into her eyes. Molly repositioned herself next to him and leaned in to brush her lips against his softly. She leaned back, her face still close to his. 'I'm really hoping this doesn't change your opinion of me,' she said, her eyes closed. She opened them and looked into his confused eyes. Molly stood up and took his hand. She led him to her room. It was dark but the light from the street lamp outside shone through her window, illuminating them both. Molly turned to face him. Without a word, she took off her shirt. She stood before him, in just her black lacy bra and the long skirt she'd worn to the play. 'Are you sure,' he asked softly. She nodded. Shaun gently swept a few stray strands of hair from her face before cupping her jawline. His warm lips pressed to hers and she moaned softly. She felt his tongue ease it's way into her mouth as she ran her hands up his chest and started to unbutton his shirt. His hands moved from her face to her lower back, pulling their midsections together, causing them both to groan with pleasure. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her fingers running through the back of his hair. Molly felt him unhook her bra, and she moved slightly to remove it completely. His hands caressed the bare skin of her back, and slowly moved down to cup her round backside. They broke apart for a moment so he could fully remove his own shirt. Molly gazed appreciatively at his bare chest, the soft brown curls covering his sculpted form. Her eyes dropped the littlest bit, to see the hair disappear into his waistline. Shaun moved closer to her again, and with his hands on her sides, began to raise up her skirt. With what seemed like no effort at all, he lifted her up, putting her legs on either side of him. He sat on her bed while she straddled him. Her flowing skirt pooled around her waist as he once again placed his hands on her rear, pressing her softness against his hardness. Molly could feel his erection pushing against her damp panties. They kissed passionately, tongues intertwining, her arms around his neck, fingers roaming through his hair. She could feel his chest hair against her hard nipples, arousing her more. Her head fell back as she moaned. Shaun lowered his head, and began suckling her left breast. His hot mouth sending waves of pleasure through her body. He moved to the other breast for the same treatment. Slowly, he rolled over, repositioning themselves on the bed, his body now on top of hers. His right hand slid over her breasts, massaging them gently while his mouth reclaimed hers. Slowly, his fingertips lightly ran down her ribcage, her waist, hip, down her thigh, where his hand hooked behind her knee, drawing it up higher. 'God, you're gorgeous,' he breathed into her mouth. She looked deep into his eyes as her hand reached down and began unbuttoning his pants. Molly slid her hand into his boxers to close her fingers around his hardness. It was so warm, the skin silky soft, but rock hard against her palm. Vaguely, somewhere in her passion-riddled mind, she noted that he was, by far, the most well endowed man she'd ever been with. His eyes closed and he groaned audibly. 'I don't think I can wait much longer, Shaun. Please..' Molly whispered. With that, he reached down and lowered his pants the slightest big, pulling his erection through the hole in his boxers. Molly reached down and pulled her panties to the side, widening her legs. He slid in easily, she was so wet. Her loud moan filled the room as he went deep inside her. 'Jesus, you feel so good, Molly,' Shaun breathed heavily. He continued to thrust into her, felt her tighten around him, both of them covered in her wetness where they were joined. Her fists closed around wads of his hair as his head lowered to flick her nipples with his tongue. His mouth returned to hers and his tongue's motion matched the movements of his hips. Molly felt the climax building up, and her breathing accelerated. 'Don't stop,' she said softly against his ear. Suddenly, it felt like a wonderful explosion inside, her moans loud, echoing in her room. Shaun felt the rush of warmth as she tightened around his shaft. He made a noise that was half moan, half grunt as he quickly pulled out of her heat. Closing his hand around his wet hardness, he finished all over her panties and abdomen, covering them with his cum. Panting, he momentarily rested his forehead on her shoulder. Finally, he caught his breath enough to say, 'Sorry.. I shouldn't.. I didn't have anything..' He lifted his head and looked at her. To his surprise, she was smiling at him. The Other Half 'Please don't apologize, Shaun. That had to be the best sexual experience of my life. Besides, I certainly don't mind getting a little dirty.' With that, she kissed him gently on the lips. Her eyes lowered a little and then she continued, 'I just hope.. with this happening so soon after meeting, that you.. you know.. don't think badly of me.' Shaun barked a laugh. 'No, Molly, I most certainly do not. If anything, you have reached a level of perfection seldom seen outside romantic fiction. Now, I hope you don't judge me when I say that I am quickly developing feelings for you.' 'Well, I'm just glad that's mutual, then,' she responded with a smile. 'Care to shower?' A sly, suggestive smile was his only reply. _______________________________ The next week flew by. Molly spent most of her workdays getting badgered by Sally about Shaun. Sally literally seemed to be over the moon about how well things were working out between the other two. 'So,' Sally began, drawing out the O a bit longer than was necessary. 'It's Valentine's Day, Molly. What do you guys have planned?' 'Oh, you know.. we haven't even talked about it. But, honestly, Sal, it's been a whopping week, I don't expect much. I mean, we've spent a lot of time together, but.. I don't know.. wow, are we in a relationship? Do you celebrate stuff like Valentine's when you're only a week on?' Suddenly, she was anxious. Should she get him a gift? Would he get her one? What if he did, but she didn't? And vice versa? The thought weighed on her mind throughout the rest of her day. Finally, on her way home, she opted for the simple approach. Since they were already intimate, she'd put on her best lingerie and let him unwrap her. She giggled at how silly that sounded. A few miles from home, her cell phone rang. It was Shaun. 'Hello there, sexy,' she spoke into the phone. 'Hello there, gorgeous. Listen, I'm not going to be able to make it tonight. This wedding reception I'm shooting for is running a lot later than planned. Raincheck?' Feeling far more disappointed than she would have expected to, seeing as how this relationship, if that's what it actually was, was still new, she was quiet for a few seconds. Not wanting to sound like the clingy girlfriend so early in the game, she responded, 'Of course! No problem at all, we can hang out tomorrow, if you want.' Shaun agreed and they said their goodbyes. Silently berating herself for reacting that way, she released a large sigh and was already thinking about what book she was going to read that night. Alone in bed. Another lonely Valentine's Day. Jesus, shut-up, will you? She mentally scolded herself. Pathetic. Molly pulled into her driveway and got out of the car. She was halfway to her door when she noticed her walkway was covered in rose petals. Her feet stopped moving, and she looked around, bewildered. With her eyes, she followed the trail to her door, where a heart shaped object hung from her doorknob. Slowly, she continued to her house, still confused. Upon reaching her door, she removed the hanging heart. It turned out to be a rather large locket of some kind. Molly opened it to find a beautifully scripted note inside: Hello, my beautiful Molly. You don't honestly believe I'd miss our first Valentine's Day together, do you? Maybe it's too soon to consider us a couple, and if you're not comfortable with it, we can slow it down. This is just me telling you that the past week has been beyond words. You are the light at the end of all my dark tunnels. You've awoken butterflies in my stomach, and plastered smiles on my face that I'm sure will never be wiped clean. Would you care to join me for a romantic dinner? Come inside... Grinning ear to ear, she opened her door. Her jaw dropped as her hand came up to cover her mouth in surprise. Every surface in her living room was covered in what she imagined to be every flower within a five mile radius. While she was still ogling the floral display, Shaun walked out of the kitchen. Suddenly, she realized how delicious her home smelled. He was holding a single rose looking both hopeful and slightly apprehensive. Molly recovered just enough to speak, 'I don't know what to say. This,' she gestured to the room with a wave of her arm, 'is amazing. You're amazing.' She dropped her purse and coat on the sofa and went to stand in front of him. The smile couldn't be wiped from her face as she took the rose he offered her. He spoke softly, 'So, this isn't too much too soon?' 'Not at all. It's amazing and I couldn't have asked for a better end to my day. I..' she hesitated, mustered up her courage, and continued, 'I love you.' They embraced, holding each other tight, and Shaun spoke softly, 'I love you, too.' 'Where have you been all my life,' Molly whispered in his ear. 'Waiting for you,' he whispered back. ____________________________ A Lifetime Later....Feb. 14th, our 40th Valentine's Day Forty years is a long time to some, but for us, it is only the beginning. For us, it is a moment, fleeting, and gone too soon. The kids have all grown. My looks have faded, along with the hair. But, you and I, my dear Molly, are eternal. Our love spans galaxies not yet discovered. Our hearts were incomplete before we met. Two parts made a whole. Thank you for protecting my heart inside yours, and for making me the luckiest, happiest man in all the world. Thank you for my happy ending. All my love, and so much more, Your Shaun. Molly's wrinkled hands held the note to her heart. She scooted a bit closer to Shaun on the porch swing, wrapped the blanket tighter around them. Their gnarled hands intertwined and, together, they watched the sun roll behind the mountains. The end of another wonderful day, in a long succession of so many. 'To forty more, my love,' Shaun whispered. 'To forever, my sweet,' she answered, resting her head on his shoulder, feeling, as she had for the past forty years, utterly happy.